20/12/2021
5 gold…tips for you to stay safe from keyless car crime.
The actions of thieves that target vehicles are disruptive and cause distress to victims, they won’t be tolerated and we will continue to clampdown on vehicle crime. There are a few things you can do to deter these criminals and help you feel safer from this type of crime.
Here are our tips:
Physical Equipment Locks /Aftermarket Security Devices – Steering wheel locks, gear level locks or ‘Pedal Box’ – These tools offer a degree of protection due to the time required by the thief to disable them. A Pedal Box is a bright yellow metal box that is made to fit your car, wrapping around the foot pedals. It has a lock on the box and prevents the pedals from being accessed. Being yellow it can be easily seen and may ward off any potential thieves early. Heavy, power tools which are noisy would need to be used so would discourage most thieves from attempting to steal the vehicle. Again, in conjunction with other methods, these can offer a good, effective deterrent.
Location of keys when not in use – Think where you leave your keys when at home. The more central the keys are placed within a home environment, the better. Do not leave keys close to the front door however practical it may be.
Home CCTV – Do you have CCTV covering your property and vehicle(s)? CCTV can be a great deterrent to potential criminals as well as offering you peace of mind. It can also help our investigations. From cameras that attach to the house as well as doorbell cameras. Both of which relay images/notifications to your smart phone. If you have CCTV, make sure lenses are clean and free of obstructions – garden foliage, cobwebs. Also, do you know how to review footage if a crime has occurred?
Valuables inside vehicles – When a vehicle is stolen, whatever is left inside it is also stolen too. Please do not leave valuables in your car overnight unnecessarily
Non-Keyless Vehicles – These can be positioned on the driveway either in front of or behind a keyless vehicle to make it more difficult to steal and deterring thieves from targeting your vehicle.
If you are concerned about vehicle crime or notice suspicious behaviour in your area please report it to us using the online tool or by calling 101. If you witness vehicle crime or are a victim and need immediate assistance please call 999.
